Atlantic Terra Cotta Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing, Architectural terracotta |
| Predecessor | Perth Amboy Terra Cotta Company, Excelsior Terra Cotta, Standard Terra Cotta Company, Atlantic Terra Cotta (Staten Island) |
| Founded | 1879 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, United States |
| Defunct | 1943 |
| Fate | Closed |
| Headquarters | Perth Amboy , United States |
Area served | Northeastern United States |
| Products | Glazed architectural terra cotta |
The Atlantic Terra Cotta Company originated in 1879 under the name Perth Amboy Terra Cotta in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, capitalizing on abundant local clay resources. It emerged as one of the pioneering producers of glazed architectural terra-cotta in the United States.
Perth Amboy Terra Cotta Company
Alfred Hall, initially engaged in producing porcelain and household goods, founded the enterprise following encouragement from his nephew to explore architectural terra cotta manufacturing. Hall’s ambition to lead this sector prompted the rise of regional rivals during the 1880s, such as the New Jersey Terra Cotta Company and Standard Terra Cotta Company.
The late 19th century witnessed a significant increase in demand for architectural terra cotta, with industry revenues escalating from $1 million in 1890 to $8 million by 1900.
Atlantic Terra Cotta Company
During 1906–1907, Perth Amboy Terra Cotta combined forces with Excelsior Terra Cotta, Standard Terra Cotta, and Staten Island’s Atlantic Terra Cotta, adopting the latter’s name after the merger. This unification established the foremost East Coast manufacturer, securing prominent contracts for steel-framed construction projects throughout the Northeastern United States.
At the time of consolidation, the company maintained four manufacturing sites located in Perth Amboy and Rocky Hill (New Jersey), Staten Island (New York), and Eastpoint (Georgia).
In 1921, Atlantic Terra Cotta was prosecuted under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act for engaging in price-fixing arrangements with competitors. Although penalized, it continued operations until the onset of the Great Depression, which caused a halt in skyscraper development and a decline in terra cotta ornamentation due to rising costs and evolving architectural trends favoring materials like glass, metal, and concrete. The firm ultimately closed its doors in 1943.
Notable projects
Among its significant contributions are landmark structures such as the Flatiron Building (1901), the Woolworth Building (1910), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (1928), and the United States Supreme Court building (1932). The Atlantic Terra Cotta Company and its antecedents also substantially influenced Perth Amboy’s built environment, with terra cotta elements featured on 111 buildings throughout the city.
See also
External links
- Atlantic Terra Cotta Company Records at the University of Texas
- Articles with short description
- Terracotta
- Ceramics manufacturers of the United States
- Perth Amboy, New Jersey
- Companies based in Middlesex County, New Jersey
- Companies established in 1846
- 1846 establishments in New Jersey
- American companies disestablished in 1943
- Defunct manufacturing companies based in New Jersey
- Manufacturer of architectural terracotta